ABOUT US

Who We Are

The Change Gym® is a consulting firm with a strong foundation in education and psychology. We partner with organisations to help them implement change effectively, build and embed change readiness, and develop the long-term capacity to adapt and thrive.

Our frameworks and programs are designed to go beyond short-term solutions. We equip leaders and teams with the mindset, skills, and strategies needed to strengthen resilience, foster adaptability, and create a culture where change is not just managed, but embraced.

Readiness First

Most change fails because people aren’t ready to succeed. There are too many barriers holding them back and not enough strengths or momentum propelling them forward. That’s why we focus on readiness first — diagnosing strengths, aligning leadership, and equipping teams to adapt in real time. 

How We Work

Our approach is practical, evidence-based, and proven in high-stakes environments. We help organisations:

  • Diagnose readiness using tools that surface strengths, gaps, and hidden risks

  • Align leadership around shared priorities and decision-making logic

  • Build adaptive capacity through scenario-based programs that embed capability

  • Sustain momentum so change endures long after the project ends

What Makes Us Unique

Our work is powered by Redequip™ — a proprietary system built on the Adaptive Intelligence Cycle. Redequip™ integrates diagnostics, strategic alignment, and capability building into a single, licensable framework. Field-tested across diverse contexts — from healthcare redesign to remote and culturally varied communities — it equips organisations to embed change readiness and build adaptive capacity that lasts.

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About Steve Barlow

Dr Steve Barlow is the founder and principal of The Change Gym®, and a recognised authority on change readiness, change fitness, and change management. With a career spanning education, psychology, consulting, and leadership development, Steve has dedicated his work to helping organisations and individuals build the adaptive capacity needed to thrive in times of disruption.

Steve has taught extensively in postgraduate programs, including the Master of Leadership, Master of Healthcare Redesign, and Master of Public Health at the University of Tasmania’s School of Medicine. His teaching in the Leading and Managing Change course has equipped emerging leaders with the frameworks and confidence to lead transformation in complex environments.

An accomplished author, Steve has written or co‑authored seven books, most of them focused on change readiness and change fitness. His writing distils complex theory into practical tools that leaders and teams can apply immediately.

Steve’s academic journey includes degrees from Australian Catholic University, Macquarie University, and the University of Sydney. His doctoral (PhD) research was recognised with the 2010 Outstanding Thesis Award by the NSW Institute for Educational Research, underscoring his contribution to the field of educational and organisational change.

Beyond academia, Steve has delivered anger management and conflict resolution training for the NSW Department of Corrective Services, demonstrating his ability to apply change principles in high‑stakes, real‑world contexts.

As a Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders (FIML) and a member of the Change Management Institute, Steve combines scholarly rigour with practical leadership expertise. His work continues to shape how organisations understand and build readiness for change — not as a one‑off event, but as a core capability for long‑term success.